Braves targeting B.J.

According to Bowman, they hoped to sign Justin’s older brother and Torii Hunter, who went to Detroit instead. B.J. Upton is still available and no free agent has more potential.

He’s not quite as fast as Bourn, or as good defensively, but he’s above average. Offensively, he’s a mixed bag. His 28 HR in 2012 were a career best, but his OBP was a career worst .298. Strange, since the 29-year-old had two seasons early in his career with OBP’s above .380.

2 comments

As a leadoff hitter, I think he’s a terrible option. As a right-handed slugger to bat further down in the lineup, I think he’s OK. But if Torii Hunter could get $13M per, I can’t see the Braves ponying up the cash he’s going to want. Sign him and offer Ichiro a one- or two-year deal to lead off and play left.